Inhalation device and non-transitory computer readable medium

ABSTRACT

An inhalation device including a communication unit that communicates with other devices, a heating unit that heats an aerosol-source-containing base material to generate an aerosol, and a control unit that controls the communication unit such that a plurality of types of information transmitted and received by the communication unit are transmitted and received in the order starting with the highest-priority information.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application based on International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/046578 filed on Dec. 14, 2020, and the content of the PCT international application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inhaler device and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART

Inhaler devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, which generate material to be inhaled by a user, are widespread. For example, such an inhaler device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component by using a substrate including an aerosol source for generating the aerosol, a flavor source for imparting the flavor component to the generated aerosol, and the like. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component, which is generated by the inhaler device.

In recent years, it has been studied to provide various services by installing a communication function in an inhaler device and causing the inhaler device to communicate with a smartphone or the like. In terms of installing a wireless communication function in an inhaler device, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique for setting a priority for information that a charger receives from the inhaler device and displays information having a relatively high priority.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2019/198552

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in the technique described in Patent Literature 1 above, the priority is only applied to display on the charger.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism by which the inhaler device can perform communication based on a priority.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem, an aspect of the present invention provides an inhaler device including: a communicator that communicates with an other device; a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a controller that controls the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator.

The controller may control the communicator to transmit high-priority information using acquisition thereof as a trigger.

The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, and the high-priority information may include battery information indicating a state of the power supply.

The battery information may include at least either information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply or information indicating degradation of the power supply.

The high-priority information may include state information indicating a state of the heater.

The state information may include information indicating that heating by the heater has started, information indicating that a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has started, information indicating a timing that is a predetermined time before an end of the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated, or information indicating that the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has ended.

The controller may control the communicator to transmit and receive low-priority information at a timing not within a time segment from a start to an end of a process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate.

The low-priority information may include setting information for setting an operation of the inhaler device.

The heater may operate based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and the setting information may include information indicating the heating profile.

In a case where a first lock function is valid, the controller may permit heating by the heater if an operation corresponding to an operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, and prohibit heating by the heater unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is detected, and the setting information may include at least either information indicating whether to validate the first lock function or information indicating the operation pattern.

In a case where a second lock function is valid, the controller may permit heating by the heater if the communicator is communicating with the other device, and prohibit heating by the heater unless the communicator is communicating with the other device, and the setting information may include information indicating whether to validate the second lock function.

The setting information may include information indicating whether to permit communication by the communicator.

The controller may control the heater to stop heating if a number of times of inhalation performed by a user after a start of heating of the substrate reaches a predetermined upper limit value, and the setting information may include information indicating the predetermined upper limit value.

The inhaler device may further include a memory that stores information, and the low-priority information may include log information acquired in accordance with use of the inhaler device by a user and stored in the memory.

The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, the heater may operate based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and the log information may include at least any of information acquired during the time segment from the start to the end of the process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate, information indicating an operation history of the inhaler device, information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply, or information acquired during charging of the power supply.

The inhaler device may further include a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, the plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator may include battery information, state information, setting information, and log information, and among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the battery information may have a highest priority, the state information may have a second highest priority, the setting information may have a third highest priority, and the log information may have a lowest priority.

After performing a process of transmitting the battery information, the controller may control the heater to perform heating.

After the heater has performed heating, the controller may perform control to perform a process of transmitting the log information.

Before performing a process of transmitting the log information, the controller may perform control to perform a process of performing setting based on the setting information.

In order to solve the above problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer readable medium having a program stored therein, the program for causing a computer to, the computer controlling an inhaler device including a communicator that communicates with an other device and a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol: control the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism is provided by which the inhaler device can perform communication based on a priority.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an internal configuration example of an inhaler device.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device according to the present embodiment in a state in which a stick substrate is held.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an overall process related to a heating session performed in the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an overall process related to charging performed in the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication process performed by the inhaler device according to the present embodiment in order of priority.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

<<1. Configuration Example of Inhaler Device>>

An inhaler device generates material to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the material generated by the inhaler device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the material generated by the inhaler device may be gas.

(1) Internal Configuration Example

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an internal configuration example of the inhaler device. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , an inhaler device 100 according to the present configuration example includes a power supply 111, a sensor 112, a notifier 113, a memory 114, a communicator 115, a controller 116, a heater 121, a holder 140, and a heat insulator 144.

The power supply 111 stores electric power. The power supply 111 supplies electric power to the structural elements of the inhaler device 100 under the control of the controller 116. The power supply 111 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor 112 acquires various kinds of information regarding the inhaler device 100. In an example, the sensor 112 may be a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquire a value generated in accordance with the user's inhalation. In another example, the sensor 112 may be an input device that receives information input by the user, such as a button or a switch.

The notifier 113 provides information to the user. The notifier 113 may be, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like.

The memory 114 stores various kinds of information for operation of the inhaler device 100. The memory 114 may be, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

The communicator 115 is a communication interface capable of communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard. Such a communication standard may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

The controller 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operations of the inhaler device 100 in accordance with various programs. The controller 116 includes, for example, an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor.

The holder 140 has an internal space 141, and holds a stick substrate 150 in a manner partially accommodated in the internal space 141. The holder 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with outside. The holder 140 accommodates the stick substrate 150 that is inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holder 140 may be a tubular body having the opening 142 and a bottom 143 on its ends, and may define the pillar-shaped internal space 141. The holder 140 also has a function of defining an airflow path that supplies air to the stick substrate 150. For example, the bottom 143 is provided with an air inlet hole that is an inlet of air into the airflow path. Meanwhile, the opening 142 serves as an air outlet hole that is an outlet of the air from the airflow path.

The stick substrate 150 includes a substrate 151 and an inhalation port 152. The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid but may also be a solid in the present configuration example. In a state in which the stick substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, the substrate 151 is at least partially accommodated in the internal space 141, and the inhalation port 152 is at least partially protruding from the opening 142. When the user inhales with the inhalation port 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his/her mouth, air flows into the internal space 141 through the air inlet hole (not illustrated), and the air and an aerosol generated from the substrate 151 reach inside the mouth of the user.

The heater 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate the aerosol. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the heater 121 has a film-like shape and surrounds the outer circumference of the holder 140. Subsequently, heat produced from the heater 121 heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from the outer circumference, generating the aerosol. The heater 121 produces heat when receiving electric power from the power supply 111. In an example, the electric power may be supplied in response to a sensor 112A detecting a start of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information. Subsequently, the supply of the electric power may be stopped in response to the sensor 112A detecting an end of the user's inhalation and/or an input of predetermined information.

The heat insulator 144 prevents heat from transferring from the heater 121 to the other structural elements. For example, the heat insulator 144 may be a vacuum heat insulator, an aerogel heat insulator, or the like.

The configuration example of the inhaler device 100 has been described above. The configuration of the inhaler device 100 is not limited to the above one, and may be various configurations as exemplified below.

In an example, the heater 121 may have a blade-like shape, and may be disposed so that the heater 121 protrudes from the bottom 143 of the holder 140 toward the internal space 141. In this case, the heater 121 having the blade-like shape is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick substrate 150 from its inside. In another example, the heater 121 may be disposed so that the heater 121 covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140. In still another example, the heater 121 may be implemented as a combination of two or more selected from a first heater that covers the outer circumference of the holder 140, a second heater having the blade-like shape, and a third heater that covers the bottom 143 of the holder 140.

In another example, the holder 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism that partially opens and closes an outer shell defining the internal space 141. Examples of the opening/closing mechanism include a hinge. In addition, the holder 140 may accommodate the stick substrate 150 while sandwiching the stick substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heater 121 may be at the sandwiching position of the holder 140 and may produce heat while pressing the stick substrate 150.

In addition, means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heater 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

(2) Appearance Configuration Example

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment in a state in which the stick substrate 150 is held.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inhaler device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid 14, a vent 15, and a cap 16. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form an outermost outer housing 11 of the inhaler device 100. The outer housing 11 has such a size to fit in a hand of a user. To use the inhaler device 100, the user can hold the inhaler device 100 with his/her hand and inhale the flavor.

The top housing 11A has an opening (not illustrated), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A so as to close the opening. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the cover 12 has the opening 142 through which the stick substrate 150 can be inserted. The lid 14 is configured to open and close the opening 142 of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position at which the lid 14 closes the opening 142 and a second position at which the lid 14 opens the opening 142. Thus, the lid 14 can permit or restrict access of the stick substrate 150 to the inside (the internal space 141 illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the inhaler device 100. A state in which the lid 14 is at the second position and the lid 14 opens the opening 142 is hereinafter also referred to as an open state. A state in which the lid 14 is at the first position and the lid 14 closes the opening 142 is hereinafter also referred to as a closed state.

The switch 13 is used to switch on and off the operation of the inhaler device 100. For example, upon the user operating the switch 13 in a state in which the stick substrate 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142 as illustrated in FIG. 3 , electric power is supplied from the power supply 111 to the heater 121, and the stick substrate 150 can be heated without burning. Heating the stick substrate 150 generates an aerosol from the aerosol source included in the stick substrate 150, and the aerosol takes in the flavor of the flavor source. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by inhaling a portion of the stick substrate 150, the portion protruding from the inhaler device 100 (the portion illustrated in FIG. 3 , that is, the inhalation port 152).

The vent 15 is a vent for introducing air into the internal space 141. The air taken into the inhaler device 100 from the vent 15 is introduced into the internal space 141 from, for example, the air inlet hole formed at the bottom 143 of the holder 140. The cap 16 is detachably attached to the bottom housing 11B. If the cap 16 is attached to the bottom housing 11B, the vent 15 is formed between the bottom housing 11B and the cap 16. The cap 16 may have, for example, a through-hole, a notch, or the like (not illustrated). In the present specification, the longitudinal direction of the inhaler device 100 refers to a direction in which the stick substrate 150 is inserted through the opening 142. In addition, in the inhaler device 100 in the present specification, a side (for example, the vent 15 side) into which a fluid such as air flows is referred to as an upstream side, and a side (for example, the opening 142 side) from which the fluid flows out is referred to as a downstream side.

<<2. Technical Features>>

(1) System Configuration Example

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the system 1 includes the inhaler device 100 and a terminal device 200.

Configuration of Inhaler Device 100

The configuration of the inhaler device 100 is as described above. Hereinafter, a user's inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhaler device 100 is also simply referred to as “inhalation” or “puff”. In addition, the user's inhaling action is also referred to as a puff action.

The inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment generates an aerosol to be inhaled by the user by using the substrate containing the aerosol source. The heater 121 heats the substrate containing the aerosol source to generate the aerosol. The stick substrate 150 is an example of a substrate in the present embodiment.

Configuration of Terminal Device 200

The terminal device 200 is used by the user of the inhaler device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 is configured by any information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the terminal device 200 includes an inputter 210, an outputter 220, a communicator 230, a memory 240, and a controller 250.

The inputter 210 has a function of receiving an input of various kinds of information. The inputter 210 may include an input device that receives an input of information from the user. Examples of the input device include a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone. The inputter 210 may further include various sensors such as an image sensor.

The outputter 220 has a function of outputting information. The outputter 220 may include an output device that outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device include a display device that displays information, a light emitting device that emits light, a vibration device that vibrates, and a sound output device that outputs sound. An example of the display device is a display. An example of the light emitting device is a light emitting diode (LED). An example of the vibration device is an eccentric motor. An example of the sound output device is a speaker. The outputter 220 outputs information input from the controller 250 to notify the user of the information.

The communicator 230 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the terminal device 200 and another device. The communicator 230 performs communication in conformity with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standard include wireless local area network (LAN), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

The memory 240 stores various kinds of information for operation of the terminal device 200. The memory 240 may be, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

The controller 250 functions as an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls the overall operations of the terminal device 200 in accordance with various programs. The controller 250 is implemented by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor. The controller 250 may further include a read only memory (ROM) that stores programs to be used, calculation parameters, and the like, and a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores parameters and the like that change as appropriate. Under the control of the controller 250, the terminal device 200 performs various kinds of processing. Examples of the processing controlled by the controller 250 include processing of information input by the inputter 210, output of information by the outputter 220, transmission and reception of information by the communicator 230, and storing and reading of information by the memory 240. The controller 250 also controls other processing performed by the terminal device 200, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component.

Functions of the controller 250 may be implemented by using an application. The application may be pre-installed or may be downloaded. In addition, functions of the controller 250 may be implemented by progressive web apps (PWA).

Device-to-Device Communication

The inhaler device 100 is capable of communicating with other devices. A wireless or wired communication link may be used for communication between the inhaler device 100 and another device. A wireless communication link is employed in the description of the present specification.

In particular, the inhaler device 100 establishes a connection with the other paired device, and transmits and receives information. Pairing is a process of exchanging and storing information of each other between two devices. An example of the information to be exchanged is identification information of a partner, such as a service set identifier (SSID) and information related to an encryption key used for encryption of information to be transmitted and received.

The inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 first perform pairing, and then transmit and receive information. The wireless communication standard used for wireless communication between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 is desirably a short-range wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth. In this case, if the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located within a range in which short-range wireless communication is possible, a connection can be established, and communication can be performed. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 perform communication in conformity with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark).

The connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be established if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid 14 is changed to the open state. Another example of the predetermined condition is that charging of the power supply 111 starts. If the inhaler device 100 is connected to an external power supply via, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) or the like, the inhaler device 100 starts charging of the power supply 111. If any one of these predetermined conditions is satisfied, the inhaler device 100 starts transmission of an advertisement, establishes a connection with the terminal device 200 that has received the advertisement, and starts transmission and reception of information.

The connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be disconnected if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that the state of the lid 14 is changed to the closed state. Another example of the predetermined condition is that charging of the power supply 111 ends. For example, the inhaler device 100 ends charging of the power supply 111 if, for example, the connection with the external power supply is released. For example, the inhaler device 100 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 200 if any one of these predetermined conditions is satisfied, an operation performed by the user is not detected for a predetermined time or more, and information is not transmitted and received.

(2) Setting Information

The terminal device 200 can set the operation of the inhaler device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 displays a setting screen for setting the operation of the inhaler device 100. The setting screen displays current setting details of the inhaler device 100 and receives an input of information for changing the setting details. The terminal device 200 generates setting information based on information input by the user and transmits the setting information to the inhaler device 100.

The setting information is information for performing setting regarding the operation of the inhaler device 100. The inhaler device 100 receives the setting information from the terminal device 200. Then, the inhaler device 100 performs setting based on the received setting information and operates according to the setting. Typically, the setting information is information for changing the setting of the inhaler device 100, and the inhaler device 100 changes the setting based on the received setting information. According to such a configuration, the user can perform desired setting on the inhaler device 100 via the terminal device 200.

While the setting information is being transmitted, the terminal device 200 may display information indicating the progress of transmission. For example, the terminal device 200 may display a progress bar in which the degree of progress increases from 0 percent to 100 percent according to the amount of transmitted data from the start to the end of the transmission of the setting information. According to such a configuration, the user can grasp the progress regarding the transmission of the setting information.

Upon completing the setting based on the setting information, the inhaler device 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the terminal device 200. The setting completion notification indicates that the setting has been completed. Upon receiving the setting completion notification, the terminal device 200 may display a screen indicating that the setting of the inhaler device 100 has been completed. According to such a configuration, the user can grasp that the inhaler device 100 has completed the setting based on the setting information.

Upon receiving the setting completion notification, the terminal device 200 outputs information indicating the changed setting. For example, after displaying a screen indicating that the setting of the inhaler device 100 has been completed, the terminal device 200 displays a setting screen reflecting the changed setting. According to such a configuration, the user can grasp the changed setting.

(3) Setting of Communication Function

The setting information may include information indicating whether to validate a communication function of the inhaler device 100. In other words, the setting information may include information indicating whether to permit the communicator 115 to perform communication. The inhaler device 100 validates or invalidates the communication function based on the received setting information. In a case where the communication function is valid, the communicator 115 can communicate with the terminal device 200. In a case where the communication function is invalid, the communicator 115 does not communicate with the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, the user can switch between validating/invalidating the communication function of the inhaler device 100.

In a case where the communication function is invalid, the inhaler device 100 may validate the communication function if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that an operation corresponding to a predetermined operation pattern has been performed. The operation pattern will be described in detail later. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the inhaler device 100 starts transmission of an advertisement, establishes a connection with the terminal device 200 that has received the advertisement, and starts transmission and reception of information.

(4) Heating Profile

The inhaler device 100 controls the operation of the heater 121 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is information indicating a time-series transition of a target value of a parameter related to the operation of the heater 121. An example of the parameter is the temperature of the heater 121. In this case, the heating profile is information defining a time-series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heater 121. The inhaler device 100 controls the temperature of the heater 121 so that the time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heater 121 (hereinafter, also referred to as an actual temperature) becomes substantially the same as the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. This produces an aerosol as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor enjoyed by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heater 121 based on the heating profile, it is possible to optimize the flavor enjoyed by the user.

The controller 116 controls the operation of the heater 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature defined in the heating profile and the actual temperature of the heater 121. More specifically, the controller 116 controls the temperature of the heater 121 based on the deviation between the target temperature and the actual temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of control of the operation of the heater 121 based on the heating profile. The temperature of the heater 121 can be controlled by, for example, known feedback control. Specifically, the controller 116 causes electric power from the power supply 111 to be supplied to the heater 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the controller 116 can control the temperature of the heater 121 by adjusting a duty ratio of the electric power pulse.

In the feedback control, the controller 116 may control the electric power supplied to the heater 121, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The controller 116 may control, for example, the above-described duty ratio. The feedback control may be, for example, proportional-integral-differential controller (PID controller). Alternatively, the controller 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the controller 116 may cause the heater 121 to produce heat until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, cause the heater 121 to stop producing heat if the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and cause the heater 121 to produce heat again if the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

In an example, the temperature of the heater 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating a resistance value (more accurately, an electric resistance value) of the heater 121 (more accurately, a heating resistor constituting the heater 121). This is because the resistance value of the heating resistor changes according to the temperature. The resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring a voltage drop amount in the heating resistor. The voltage drop amount in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heater 121 may be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heater 121.

As described above, if the resistance value of the heater 121 changes according to the temperature of the heater 121, it can be said that the temperature of the heater 121 has the same meaning as the resistance value of the heater 121. Therefore, the target temperature of the heater 121 can also be indicated by the resistance value of the heater 121. That is, another example of the parameter in the heating profile is the resistance value of the heater 121 corresponding to the target temperature. In this case, the heating profile is information defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of the resistance value of the heater 121. The inhaler device 100 controls the resistance value of the heater 121 so that the time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heater 121 becomes substantially the same as the time-series transition of the target resistance value defined in the heating profile. The resistance value of the heater 121 can be controlled by, for example, known feedback control. Specifically, the controller 116 causes the electric power from the power supply 111 to be supplied to the heater 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the controller 116 can control the resistance value of the heater 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the electric power pulse. According to such a configuration, the actual temperature of the heater 121 can be changed in the same manner as in a case where the heating profile defines the time-series transition of the target temperature.

Note that the temperature of the heater 121 has a correspondence relationship with the resistance value of the heater 121, but the resistance value corresponding to the temperature of the heater 121 depends on the characteristics and the environmental temperature of the heater 121. Therefore, if the characteristics or the environmental temperature of the heater 121 differs, the target resistance value corresponding to the target temperature becomes a different value even if the temperature is the same.

Hereinafter, a time segment from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol by using the stick substrate 150, more specifically, a time segment during which the heater 121 operates based on the heating profile, is also referred to as a heating session. The start of the heating session is a start timing of heating based on the heating profile. The end of the heating session is a timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating session consists of a first-half pre-heating period and a second-half puffing-allowed period. The puffing-allowed period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The pre-heating period is a period from the start of heating to the start of the puffing-allowed period. The heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

The heating session may include a period during which electric power is not supplied to the heater 121. As an example, the heating profile may include an interval during which the temperature of the heater 121 is temporarily lowered, and during the interval, electric power supply to the heater 121 may be stopped. As another example, electric power supply to the heater 121 may be stopped a predetermined time before the end of the puffing-allowed period, that is, a predetermined time before the end of the heating session. Even during a period in which electric power is not supplied to the heater 121, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by remaining heat of the heater 121 and the stick substrate 150.

The user may be notified of the start timing and the end timing of the puffing-allowed period. The user may also be notified of a timing that is a predetermined time before the end of the puffing-allowed period (for example, a timing of stopping electric power supply to the heater 121). In this case, the user can puff during the puffing-allowed period with reference to the notification.

It is assumed that one or more puffs will be taken during the heating session, more specifically, during the puffing-allowed period.

The inhaler device 100 may stop heating if the number of puffs taken by the user after the start of heating of the stick substrate 150 reaches a predetermined upper limit value. That is, the heating session may be interrupted if the number of puffs detected during the heating session (more specifically, during the puffing-allowed period) reaches the predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit value is set to a value corresponding to the number of puffs at which the aerosol source is expected to run out. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which, although the aerosol source runs out early due to a large number of puffs, heating based on the heating profile is continued and a coarse flavor is delivered to the user.

The setting information may include information indicating the heating profile. In this case, the controller 116 controls the operation of the heater 121 based on the heating profile indicated by the received information. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired heating profile on the inhaler device 100.

The setting information may include information indicating the above-described predetermined upper limit value on the number of puffs for the heating session. In this case, if the number of puffs detected during the heating session reaches the upper limit value indicated by the received information, the controller 116 stops heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired predetermined upper limit value on the inhaler device 100.

(5) Operation Pattern

The inhaler device 100 includes an operation part that receives a physical operation performed by the user. The operation part is an example of the sensor 112, and detects various operations performed by the user. Hereinafter, a combination of operations on the operation part is also referred to as an operation pattern. The setting information may include information indicating the operation pattern. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired operation pattern on the inhaler device 100.

The controller 116 sets the operation pattern indicated by the received setting information, and controls the operation of the heater 121 according to the set operation pattern. As an example, if an operation corresponding to the set operation pattern is performed, the controller 116 starts heating by the heater 121. A plurality of combinations of an operation pattern and a process to be performed if an operation corresponding to the operation pattern is performed may be set. In this case, the controller 116 performs a process combined with an operation pattern corresponding to an operation performed on the inhaler device 100 among a plurality of set operation patterns. According to such a configuration, the user can control the operation of the heater 121 by using the desired operation pattern.

The operation part may include a button for receiving a pressing operation performed by the user. An example of such a button is the switch 13. In this case, the operation pattern includes an operation of pressing the switch 13. The operation of pressing the switch 13 may be classified into a short press in which the switch 13 is pressed for a short time before being released and a long press in which the switch 13 is pressed for a long time before being released. An example of the operation pattern is an operation of performing two short presses and then performing one long press. The information indicating the operation pattern included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the state of the switch 13. The time-series transition of the state of the switch 13 is a time-series transition as to whether the switch 13 is in the pressed state or in the non-pressed state. Therefore, the number of times and timing (that is, order and interval) of the short press and the long press, the duration of the long press, and the like are set as the operation pattern by the setting information. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired operation pattern regarding the switch 13 on the inhaler device 100.

An example of the operation part is the lid 14. In this case, the operation pattern includes an operation of opening and closing the opening 142 by the lid 14. An example of the operation pattern is an operation of opening, closing, and opening the opening 142 by the lid 14. The information indicating the operation pattern included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the state of the lid 14. The time-series transition of the state of the lid 14 is a time-series transition as to whether the state of the lid 14 is the open state or the closed state. Therefore, the number of times and timing (that is, order and interval) of the operation of bringing the lid 14 into the open state and the operation of bringing the lid 14 into the closed state are set as the operation pattern by the setting information. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired operation pattern regarding the lid 14 on the inhaler device 100.

The operation pattern may be a combination of an operation of pressing the switch 13 and an operation of opening and closing the opening 142 with the lid 14. An example of the operation pattern is an operation of opening the opening 142 by the lid 14, and then performing two short presses on the switch 13 and then one long press thereon. The information indicating the operation pattern included in the setting information includes information indicating a time-series transition of the state of the switch 13 and the lid 14. According to such a configuration, the user can set a desired operation pattern regarding the switch 13 and the lid 14 on the inhaler device 100. Note that the operation pattern is not limited to the operation of pressing the switch 13 and the operation of opening and closing the opening 142 by the lid 14, and may include an operation of attaching and detaching a front panel (not illustrated), which is detachably attached to the inhaler device 100, or an operation of starting charging of the power supply 111, which is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

(6) Lock Function

The inhaler device 100 has a lock function. The lock function is a function of controlling whether it is possible to perform heating by the heater 121. To prohibit heating by the heater 121 is also referred to as “set a lock”. Hereinafter, to permit heating by the heater 121 is also referred to as “release the lock”.

In a case where a user operation of giving an instruction to start heating is performed in the lock-released state, the inhaler device 100 starts heating by the heater 121. An example of the operation of giving an instruction to start heating is pressing the switch 13. On the other hand, in a case where a user operation of giving an instruction to start heating is performed in the locked state, the inhaler device 100 does not start heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, even if, for example, the switch 13 is erroneously pressed in a bag in the locked state, heating by the heater 121 is not started. Therefore, safety regarding use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved.

First Lock Function

The operation pattern may be set for a first lock function for controlling whether it is possible to perform heating by the heater 121 in accordance with an operation performed by the user. In a case where the first lock function is valid, if an operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, the controller 116 permits heating by the heater 121. On the other hand, in a case where the first lock function is valid, unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, the controller 116 prohibits heating by the heater 121. The user can perform the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function to release the lock by the first lock function. In the lock-released state, for example, if the switch 13 is pressed, heating by the heater 121 is started.

According to such a configuration, unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, the lock is not released. Therefore, misuse by a person other than the user, such as a child, can be prevented. Accordingly, safety regarding use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved.

After the lock by the first lock function has been released, the lock may be set again if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that, after the end of heating by the heater 121, the stick substrate 150 is pulled out, and the state of the lid 14 is changed to the closed state. Another example of the predetermined condition is that the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed again.

The setting information may include information indicating whether to validate the first lock function. In this case, the controller 116 validates or invalidates the first lock function based on the setting information. For example, if the setting information includes information indicating validation of the first lock function, the controller 116 validates the first lock function. In this case, unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, the lock is not released. On the other hand, if the setting information includes information indicating invalidation of the first lock function, the controller 116 invalidates the first lock function. In this case, since the lock by the first lock function is not set, the user can start heating by the heater 121 only by pressing the switch 13.

According to such a configuration, by validating the first lock function only in a case where misuse by a child is assumed, such as a case where the user is at home, safety can be increased. On the other hand, by invalidating the first lock function in a case where misuse by a child is not assumed, such as a case where the user is at work, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for performing a lock-releasing operation and to improve usability.

Second Lock Function

The communication state of the communicator 115 may be used for a second lock function for controlling whether it is possible to perform heating by the heater 121 in accordance with the communication state of the communicator 115. In a case where the second lock function is valid, if the communicator 115 is communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 permits heating by the heater 121. On the other hand, in a case where the second lock function is valid, unless the communicator 115 is communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 prohibits heating by the heater 121. An example of the communicator 115 communicating with the terminal device 200 is that a connection based on a short-range wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth, is established between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200. The user can establish the connection based on the short-range wireless communication standard between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 to release the lock by the second lock function. In the lock-released state, for example, if the switch 13 is pressed, heating by the heater 121 is started.

According to such a configuration, the lock is released only if the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are located within a range in which short-range wireless communication is possible and are communicating with each other, and the lock is not released otherwise. Therefore, if the user goes out carrying the terminal device 200, for example, misuse of the inhaler device 100 left at home by a child can be prevented. Accordingly, safety regarding use of the inhaler device 100 can be improved. On the other hand, if the user uses the inhaler device 100 while carrying the terminal device 200, the lock is automatically released. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for performing a lock-releasing operation and to improve usability.

The setting information may include information indicating whether to validate the second lock function. In this case, the controller 116 validates or invalidates the second lock function based on the setting information. For example, if the setting information includes information indicating validation of the second lock function, the controller 116 validates the second lock function. In this case, unless the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are communicating with each other, the lock is not released. On the other hand, if the setting information includes information indicating invalidation of the second lock function, the controller 116 invalidates the second lock function. In this case, since the lock by the second lock function is not set, the user can start heating by the heater 121 only by pressing the switch 13 regardless of whether the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are communicating with each other.

According to such a configuration, since it is possible to arbitrarily switch between validating and invalidating the second lock function, usability can be improved.

Third Lock Function

The state of the lid 14 is used for a third lock function for controlling whether it is possible to perform heating by the heater 121 in accordance with the state of the lid 14. In a case where the third lock function is valid, if the state of the lid 14 is the open state, the controller 116 permits heating by the heater 121. On the other hand, in a case where the third lock function is valid, if the state of the lid 14 is the closed state, the controller 116 prohibits heating by the heater 121. If the state of the lid 14 is the closed state, at least the stick substrate 150 is not inserted into the inhaler device 100. Therefore, heating in a case where the state of the lid 14 is the closed state causes so-called dry burning in which heating is performed even though the stick substrate 150 is not inserted. In this respect, according to the third lock function, dry burning can be prevented.

From the viewpoint of preventing dry burning, it is desirable that the third lock function be always valid. Of course, the setting information may include information indicating whether to validate the third lock function, and, based on the setting information, whether to validate the third lock function may be switched.

Use of Plurality of Lock Functions in Combination

A plurality of lock functions may be used in combination. For example, the first lock function, the second lock function, and the third lock function described above may be used in combination.

The lock-releasing conditions defined for the first lock function and the second lock function may constitute an OR condition (i.e., logical sum). That is, the lock may be released if either the lock-releasing condition defined for the first lock function or the lock-releasing condition defined for the second lock function is satisfied. In addition, the lock may not be released if neither the lock-releasing condition defined for the first lock function nor the lock-releasing condition defined for the second lock function is satisfied. Specifically, in a case where the first lock function and the second lock function are valid, if the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, or if the communicator 115 is communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 permits heating by the heater 121. On the other hand, if the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is not performed and if the communicator 115 is not communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 prohibits heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, since the lock can be released by either one of the first lock function and the second lock function, usability can be improved.

Furthermore, the above-described OR condition related to the first lock function and the second lock function and the lock-releasing condition defined for the third lock function may constitute an AND condition (i.e., logical product). That is, the lock may be released if the lock-releasing condition defined for the third lock function is satisfied and if either the lock-releasing condition defined for the first lock function or the lock-releasing condition defined for the second lock function is satisfied. In addition, the lock may not be released if the lock-releasing condition defined for the third lock function is not satisfied, or if neither the lock-releasing condition defined for the first lock function nor the lock-releasing condition defined for the second lock function is satisfied. Specifically, in a case where the first lock function, the second lock function, and the third lock function are valid, if the state of the lid 14 is the open state and if the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed or the communicator 115 is communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 permits heating by the heater 121. On the other hand, if the state of the lid 14 is the closed state, or if the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is not performed and the communicator 115 is not communicating with the terminal device 200, the controller 116 prohibits heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, since the lock can be released by either one of the first lock function and the second lock function while dry burning is prevented, safety can be ensured, and also, usability can be improved.

(7) Battery Information

The inhaler device 100 transmits battery information, which is information indicating the state of the power supply 111 that stores and supplies electric power for the operation of the inhaler device 100. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the power supply 111 based on the battery information.

The battery information may include information indicating the remaining amount of electric power of the power supply 111. The information indicating the remaining amount of electric power of the power supply 111 is, as an example, information indicating the ratio of the remaining amount with respect to the maximum value of electric power that can be stored in the power supply 111. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp a decrease in the remaining amount of electric power and prompt the user to charge the power supply 111.

The battery information may include information indicating degradation of the power supply 111. As an example, whether the power supply 111 is degraded may be determined based on a state of health (SOH). In this case, the controller 116 determines that the power supply 111 is degraded is the ratio of the current full charge capacity to the initial full charge capacity of 100% decreases to a predetermined threshold value or less. As another example, whether the power supply 111 is degraded may be determined based on cycle counting. In this case, the controller 116 counts one cycle each time the cumulative value of the charging current reaches the full charge capacity, and determines that the power supply 111 is degraded if the count exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the power supply 111 is degraded, battery information including information indicating the degradation of the power supply 111 is transmitted. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the degradation of the power supply 111 and prompt the user to take measures against the degradation of the power supply 111.

The battery information may be transmitted at a timing at which the connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 is established. As an example, before the start of heating by the heater 121, for example, at a timing at which the state of the lid 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state, the connection may be established, and the battery information may be transmitted. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply 111 before heating the stick substrate 150. As another example, at the start timing of charging of the power supply 111, the connection may be established, and the battery information may be transmitted. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply 111 before charging.

The battery information may be transmitted at a timing before disconnection of the connection between the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200. As an example, after the end of heating by the heater 121, for example, at a timing at which the state of the lid 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state, the battery information may be transmitted. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply 111 after heating the stick substrate 150. As another example, at the end timing of charging of the power supply 111, the battery information may be transmitted. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply 111 after charging.

The inhaler device 100 may notify the user of the battery information by using the notifier 113. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the state of the power supply 111 by using the inhaler device 100 alone.

(8) Log Information

The inhaler device 100 stores log information in the memory 114. The log information is information that is acquired in accordance with use of the inhaler device 100 by the user and is stored in the memory 114. The inhaler device 100 transmits the log information stored in the memory 114 to the terminal device 200. It is assumed that the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 are not always connected to each other. Therefore, the inhaler device 100 stores the log information while not being connected to the terminal device 200, and transmits the stored log information at a timing of being connected to the terminal device 200.

The terminal device 200 transfers the log information received from the inhaler device 100 to another device. An example of another device is a server that provides a service related to the inhaler device 100. The server collects and analyzes the log information, and uses the log information for services such as update of firmware of the inhaler device 100.

Information Acquired During Heating Session

The log information may include information acquired during a heating session, that is, a single heating session. If heating by the heater 121 is performed, the memory 114 stores information acquired during the heating session as the log information. According to such a configuration, the situation during the heating session can be grasped later.

The information acquired during the heating session may include information for identifying the heating session. An example of the information for identifying the heating session is inhalation start time information indicating a time of a first puff in the heating session, that is, a time of a first puff after the start of heating. According to such a configuration, the interval between heating sessions and the number of heating sessions per day can be grasped later.

The information acquired during the heating session may include information indicating a factor by which heating by the heater 121 is permitted. The information indicating a factor by which heating is permitted includes any of information indicating that heating is permitted by the first lock function, information indicating that heating is permitted by the second lock function, or information indicating that the first lock function and the second lock function are invalid. The information indicating a factor by which heating is permitted includes the information indicating that heating is permitted by the first lock function if heating is performed because the lock is released by, in a state in which the first lock function is valid, the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function. The information indicating a factor by which heating is permitted includes the information indicating that heating is permitted by the second lock function if heating is performed because the lock is released by, in a state in which the second lock function is valid, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 communicating with each other. The information indicating a factor by which heating is permitted includes the information indicating that the first lock function and the second lock function are invalid if heating is performed in a state in which both the first lock function and the second lock function are invalid. According to such a configuration, an analysis regarding use of the first lock function and the second lock function is enabled.

The information acquired during the heating session may include the duration of the heating session. According to such a configuration, the duration of the heating session can be grasped later.

The information acquired during the heating session may include information indicating the number of puffs taken during the heating session. According to such a configuration, the number of puffs taken during the heating session can be grasped later.

The information acquired during the heating session may include information indicating the time of a puff taken during the heating session. A plurality of puffs may be taken during the heating session, in which case the information acquired during the heating session includes information indicating the time at which each of one or more puffs is taken during the heating session. According to such a configuration, the timing of the puff or puffs taken during the heating session can be grasped later.

The information acquired during the heating session may include information indicating the degradation state of the power supply 111 during the heating session. The information indicating the degradation state of the power supply 111 may be, for example, the ratio of the current full charge capacity to the initial full charge capacity of 100%, or may be the number of times the cumulative value of the charging current reaches the full charge capacity. According to such a configuration, the transition of the degradation state can be grasped later.

Information Indicating Operation History

The log information may include information indicating an operation history of the inhaler device 100. According to such a configuration, the history of operations of the inhaler device 100 so far can be grasped later.

The information indicating the operation history may include the cumulative total of the time during which the heater 121 performs heating after the inhaler device 100 has been activated for the first time. According to such a configuration, the duration of heating by the heater 121 in the entire life cycle of the inhaler device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include the time elapsed after the inhaler device 100 has been activated for the first time. According to such a configuration, the duration of the entire life cycle of the inhaler device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include the cumulative total of the number of times the heater 121 performs heating after the inhaler device 100 has been activated for the first time. According to such a configuration, the number of times of heating in the entire life cycle of the inhaler device 100 can be grasped.

The information indicating the operation history may include the history of errors that have occurred after the inhaler device 100 has been activated for the first time. According to such a configuration, the errors that have occurred in the entire life cycle of the inhaler device 100 can be grasped.

Information Indicating Remaining Amount of Electric Power

The log information may include information indicating the remaining amount of electric power of the power supply 111. The memory 114 stores, as the log information, information indicating the remaining amount of electric power, included in the battery information acquired to be transmitted to the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, the transition of the remaining amount of electric power of the power supply 111 can be grasped later.

Information Acquired During Charging

The log information may include information acquired during charging of the power supply 111. If the power supply 111 is charged, the memory 114 stores, as the log information, information acquired during charging of the power supply 111.

An example of the information acquired during charging is information indicating the time at the start of charging and information indicating the remaining amount of electric power at the start of charging. Another example of the information acquired during charging is information indicating the time at the end of charging and information indicating the remaining amount of electric power at the end of charging. According to such a configuration, the history of charging by the user can be grasped.

Timing of Transmitting Log Information

The timing at which the inhaler device 100 transmits the log information may be controlled by the terminal device 200. Specifically, the terminal device 200 transmits, to the inhaler device 100, a log request for requesting execution of a process of transmitting the log information. The inhaler device 100 performs the process requested in the received log request. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits a log request for requesting transmission of the log information to the inhaler device 100, and the inhaler device 100 that has received the log request transmits the log information. According to such a configuration, the inhaler device 100 can transmit the log information at an appropriate timing under the control of the terminal device 200.

(9) State Information

The inhaler device 100 transmits state information indicating the state of the inhaler device 100 to the terminal device 200. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the inhaler device 100 in real time based on the received state information.

Information Indicating State of Heater 121

The state information may include information indicating the state of the heater 121. In particular, the state information may include information indicating the progress of heating by the heater 121. During the heating session, the inhaler device 100 transmits the state information indicating the progress of heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the heater 121 during the heating session in real time based on the state information.

As an example, the state information may include information indicating that heating by the heater 121 has started. The inhaler device 100 transmits the state information at the start timing of heating based on the heating profile.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating that pre-heating has ended, that is, that the puffing-allowed period has started. For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits the state information at a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of heating based on the heating profile.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating a timing that is a predetermined time before the end of the puffing-allowed period. For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits the state information at the end timing of electric power supply to the heater 121.

As another example, the state information may include information indicating that the puffing-allowed period has ended. For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits the state information at a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of electric power supply to the heater 121.

Information Indicating State of Lid 14

The state information may include information indicating the state of the lid 14. As an example, the state information may include information indicating that the state of the lid 14 is the open state or the closed state. At a timing at which the state of the lid 14 is changed, the inhaler device 100 transmits the state information indicating the changed state of the lid 14. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the state of the lid 14 in real time based on the state information.

Information Indicating Charging State of Power Supply 111

The state information may include information indicating a charging state of the power supply 111. As an example, the state information may include information indicating the ratio of the current charge amount to the full charge capacity of the power supply 111. During charging, the inhaler device 100 can transmit the state information including information indicating the charging state of the power supply 111. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can grasp the charging state of the power supply 111 in real time based on the state information.

(10) Communication Process According to Priority

The inhaler device 100 sets a priority for information to be transmitted and received and performs communication according to the priority. Specifically, the controller 116 controls the communicator 115 to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator 115. Therefore, the terminal device 200 receives information in order of priority, and, for example, displays it. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent high-priority information from being transmitted later and displayed later on the terminal device 200.

The inhaler device 100 transmits high-priority information using acquisition thereof as a trigger. According to such a configuration, the high-priority information can be transmitted as soon as it is acquired.

An example of the high-priority information is battery information. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can preferentially grasp the state of the power supply 111.

Another example of the high-priority information is state information. According to such a configuration, the terminal device 200 can preferentially grasp the state of the inhaler device 100, more specifically, the state of the heater 121. The inhaler device 100 may transmit the state information in response to a change in the state of the inhaler device 100. In this case, the terminal device 200 can grasp the change in the state of the inhaler device 100 in real time.

The inhaler device 100 transmits and receives low-priority information at a timing not within a heating session. According to such a configuration, heating based on a heating profile can be prevented from being interfered with transmission and reception of the low-priority information.

An example of the low-priority information is setting information. If the setting information is transmitted and received during the heating session and the setting of the inhaler device 100 is changed, various problems may occur, for example, heating by the heater 121 is interrupted. In this respect, according to such a configuration, the occurrence of such a problem can be prevented.

Another example of the low-priority information is log information. The log information may include information acquired during the heating session. However, according to such a configuration, incomplete information that is in the middle of acquisition can be prevented from being transmitted.

After performing a process of transmitting the battery information, the inhaler device 100 performs heating by the heater 121. According to such a configuration, the user can grasp whether the remaining amount of electric power is sufficient for the heater 121 to perform heating, before the heater 121 performs heating.

After performing heating by the heater 121, the inhaler device 100 performs a process of transmitting the log information. According to such a configuration, after the end of heating by the heater 121, the log information including information acquired during the heating session that has just ended can be transmitted.

Before performing the process of transmitting the log information, the inhaler device 100 performs a process of performing setting based on the setting information. According to such a configuration, the setting information can be transmitted and received preferentially over transmission and reception of the log information, which can be temporarily stored in the memory 114 and can be transmitted and received later.

From the above, among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the battery information has the highest priority, the state information has the second highest priority, the setting information has the third highest priority, and the log information has the lowest priority. According to such a configuration, before the start of heating and after the end of heating, information having higher priority can be transmitted and received more preferentially.

(11) Process Flow

Overall Process Related to Heating Session

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an overall process related to a heating session performed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. This sequence involves the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , first, the inhaler device 100 receives an operation of changing the state of the lid 14 to the open state (step S102).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection (step S104). For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits an advertisement, and the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 that has received the advertisement perform a procedure for establishing the connection.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S106).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 releases the lock (step S108). For example, the inhaler device 100 releases the lock because the state of the lid 14 is the open state and the communication with the terminal device 200 is being performed, with respect to the second lock function.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 receives an operation of giving an instruction to start heating (step S110).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S112).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits state information including information indicating the state of the heater 121 to the terminal device 200 (step S114).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 determines whether the heating session has ended (step S116). For example, the inhaler device 100 determines that the heating session has ended if the elapsed time from the start of heating based on the heating profile exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the inhaler device 100 determines that the heating session has ended if the number of puffs taken during the heating session reaches the predetermined upper limit value. If it is determined that the heating session has not ended (step S116: NO), the process returns to step S114 again.

If it is determined that the heating session has ended (step S116: YES), the inhaler device 100 determines whether an operation of changing the state of the lid 14 to the closed state has been performed (step S118). If it is determined that the operation of changing the state of the lid 14 to the closed state has not been performed (step S118: NO), the inhaler device 100 waits until the operation of changing the state of the lid 14 to the closed state is performed.

If it is determined that the operation of changing the state of the lid 14 to the closed state has been performed (step S118: YES), the inhaler device 100 transmits state information including information indicating that the state of the lid 14 has been changed to the closed state, and battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S120).

Subsequently, the terminal device 200 transmits setting information to the inhaler device 100 (step S122). Subsequently, upon receiving the setting information, the inhaler device 100 performs setting based on the received setting information (step S124). Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the terminal device 200 (step S126). Note that the process related to steps S122 to S126 is skipped in a case where a user input for changing the setting of the inhaler device 100 is not performed on the terminal device 200.

Subsequently, the terminal device 200 transmits, to the inhaler device 100, a log request for requesting transmission of log information (step S128).

Subsequently, upon receiving the log request, the inhaler device 100 transmits the requested log information to the terminal device 200 (step S130). For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits information acquired during the heating session in steps S112 to S116 as the log information.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 disconnect the connection (step S132). For example, in a case where an operation performed by the user is not detected for a predetermined time or more and a log request is not received, the inhaler device 100 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 200.

Overall Process Related to Charging

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an overall process related to charging performed in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. This sequence involves the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , first, the inhaler device 100 starts charging (step S202). The inhaler device 100 starts charging upon being connected to an external power supply.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 establish a connection (step S204). For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits an advertisement, and the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 that has received the advertisement perform a procedure for establishing the connection.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S206).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits state information including information indicating the charging state of the power supply 111 to the terminal device 200 (step S208).

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 determines whether charging has ended (step S210). If the connection with the external power supply is released, the inhaler device 100 ends charging. If it is determined that charging has not ended (step S210: NO), the process returns to step S208 again.

If it is determined that charging has ended (step S210: YES), the inhaler device 100 transmits state information including information indicating that the charging state of the power supply 111 and battery information to the terminal device 200 (step S212).

Subsequently, the terminal device 200 transmits setting information to the inhaler device 100 (step S214). Subsequently, upon receiving the setting information, the inhaler device 100 performs setting based on the received setting information (step S216). Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 transmits a setting completion notification to the terminal device 200 (step S218). Note that the process related to steps S214 to S218 is skipped in a case where a user input for changing the setting of the inhaler device 100 is not made on the terminal device 200.

Subsequently, the terminal device 200 transmits, to the inhaler device 100, a log request for requesting transmission of log information (step S220).

Subsequently, upon receiving the log request, the inhaler device 100 transmits the requested log information to the terminal device 200 (step S222). For example, the inhaler device 100 transmits information acquired during the charging in steps S202 to S210 as the log information.

Subsequently, the inhaler device 100 and the terminal device 200 disconnect the connection (step S224). For example, in a case where an operation performed by the user is not detected for a predetermined time or more and a log request is not received, the inhaler device 100 disconnects the connection with the terminal device 200.

Communication Process in Inhaler Device 100 in Order of Priority

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication process performed by the inhaler device 100 according to the present embodiment in order of priority.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , first, the controller 116 determines whether high-priority information has been acquired (step S302). For example, the controller 116 determines whether battery information or state information has been acquired.

If it is determined that the high-priority information has been acquired (step S302: YES), the controller 116 transmits the acquired high-priority information (step S304).

If it is determined that the high-priority information has not been acquired (step S302: NO), the controller 116 transmits and receives low-priority information (step S306). For example, the controller 116 transmits and receives setting information or log information.

<<3. Supplementary Notes>>

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent that a person having ordinary skill in the technical field of the present invention will conceive various modifications or variations without departing from the technical thought in the appended claims. It will be appreciated that these modification and variations are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In addition, the sequential processes performed by the devices described in the present specification may be implemented by using any one of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. Programs constituting the software are stored in advance in, for example, recording media (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside the devices. Each program is read into a RAM at the time of execution by a computer and executed by a processor such as a CPU, for example. Examples of the recording media include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and the like. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed via a network, for example, without using the recording media.

Furthermore, the processes described using the flowcharts and the sequence diagrams in the present specification are not necessarily performed in the illustrated order. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Also, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be skipped.

The following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

(1)

An inhaler device including:

a communicator that communicates with an other device;

a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and

a controller that controls the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator.

(2)

The inhaler device according to (1), in which

the controller controls the communicator to transmit high-priority information using acquisition thereof as a trigger.

(3)

The inhaler device according to (2), further including

a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, in which

the high-priority information includes battery information indicating a state of the power supply.

(4)

The inhaler device according to (3), in which

the battery information includes at least either information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply or information indicating degradation of the power supply.

(5)

The inhaler device according to any one of (2) to (4), in which

the high-priority information includes state information indicating a state of the heater.

(6)

The inhaler device according to (5), in which

the state information includes information indicating that heating by the heater has started, information indicating that a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has started, information indicating a timing that is a predetermined time before an end of the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated, or information indicating that the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has ended.

(7)

The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (6), in which

the controller controls the communicator to transmit and receive low-priority information at a timing not within a time segment from a start to an end of a process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate.

(8)

The inhaler device according to (7), in which

the low-priority information includes setting information for setting an operation of the inhaler device.

(9)

The inhaler device according to (8), in which

the heater operates based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and

the setting information includes information indicating the heating profile.

(10)

The inhaler device according to (8) or (9), in which

in a case where a first lock function is valid, the controller permits heating by the heater if an operation corresponding to an operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, and prohibits heating by the heater unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is detected, and

the setting information includes at least either information indicating whether to validate the first lock function or information indicating the operation pattern.

(11)

The inhaler device according to any one of (8) to (10), in which

in a case where a second lock function is valid, the controller permits heating by the heater if the communicator is communicating with the other device, and prohibits heating by the heater unless the communicator is communicating with the other device, and

the setting information includes information indicating whether to validate the second lock function.

(12)

The inhaler device according to any one of (8) to (11), in which

the setting information includes information indicating whether to permit communication by the communicator.

(13)

The inhaler device according to any one of (8) to (12), in which

the controller controls the heater to stop heating if a number of times of inhalation performed by a user after a start of heating of the substrate reaches a predetermined upper limit value, and

the setting information includes information indicating the predetermined upper limit value.

(14)

The inhaler device according to any one of (7) to (13), further including

a memory that stores information, in which

the low-priority information includes log information acquired in accordance with use of the inhaler device by a user and stored in the memory.

(15)

The inhaler device according to (14), further including

a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, in which

the heater operates based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and

the log information includes at least any of information acquired during the time segment from the start to the end of the process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate, information indicating an operation history of the inhaler device, information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply, or information acquired during charging of the power supply.

(16)

The inhaler device according to any one of (1) to (5), further including

a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, in which

the plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator include battery information, state information, setting information, and log information, and

among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the battery information has a highest priority, the state information has a second highest priority, the setting information has a third highest priority, and the log information has a lowest priority.

(17)

The inhaler device according to (16), in which

after performing a process of transmitting the battery information, the controller controls the heater to perform heating.

(18)

The inhaler device according to (16) or (17), in which

after the heater has performed heating, the controller performs control to perform a process of transmitting the log information.

(19)

The inhaler device according to any one of (16) to (18), in which

before performing a process of transmitting the log information, the controller performs control to perform a process of performing setting based on the setting information.

(20)

A non-transitory computer readable medium having a program stored therein, the program for causing a computer to, the computer controlling an inhaler device including a communicator that communicates with an other device and a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol:

control the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1 system     -   100 inhaler device     -   111 power supply     -   112 sensor     -   113 notifier     -   114 memory     -   115 communicator     -   116 controller     -   140 holder     -   141 internal space     -   142 opening     -   143 bottom     -   144 heat insulator     -   150 stick substrate     -   151 substrate     -   152 inhalation port     -   11 outer housing     -   11A top housing     -   11B bottom housing     -   12 cover     -   13 switch     -   14 lid     -   15 vent     -   16 cap     -   200 terminal device     -   210 inputter     -   220 outputter     -   230 communicator     -   240 memory     -   250 controller 

1. An inhaler device comprising: a communicator that communicates with an other device; a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a controller that controls the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator.
 2. The inhaler device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the communicator to transmit high-priority information using acquisition thereof as a trigger.
 3. The inhaler device according to claim 2, further comprising a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, wherein the high-priority information includes battery information indicating a state of the power supply.
 4. The inhaler device according to claim 3, wherein the battery information includes at least either information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply or information indicating degradation of the power supply.
 5. The inhaler device according to claim 2, wherein the high-priority information includes state information indicating a state of the heater.
 6. The inhaler device according to claim 5, wherein the state information includes information indicating that heating by the heater has started, information indicating that a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has started, information indicating a timing that is a predetermined time before an end of the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated, or information indicating that the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated has ended.
 7. The inhaler device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the communicator to transmit and receive low-priority information at a timing not within a time segment from a start to an end of a process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate.
 8. The inhaler device according to claim 7, wherein the low-priority information includes setting information for setting an operation of the inhaler device.
 9. The inhaler device according to claim 8, wherein the heater operates based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and the setting information includes information indicating the heating profile.
 10. The inhaler device according to claim 8 wherein in a case where a first lock function is valid, the controller permits heating by the heater if an operation corresponding to an operation pattern set for the first lock function is performed, and prohibits heating by the heater unless the operation corresponding to the operation pattern set for the first lock function is detected, and the setting information includes at least either information indicating whether to validate the first lock function or information indicating the operation pattern.
 11. The inhaler device according to claim 8, wherein in a case where a second lock function is valid, the controller permits heating by the heater if the communicator is communicating with the other device, and prohibits heating by the heater unless the communicator is communicating with the other device, and the setting information includes information indicating whether to validate the second lock function.
 12. The inhaler device according to claim 8, wherein the setting information includes information indicating whether to permit communication by the communicator.
 13. The inhaler device according to claim 8, wherein the controller controls the heater to stop heating if a number of times of inhalation performed by a user after a start of heating of the substrate reaches a predetermined upper limit value, and the setting information includes information indicating the predetermined upper limit value.
 14. The inhaler device according to claim 7, further comprising a memory that stores information, wherein the low-priority information includes log information acquired in accordance with use of the inhaler device by a user and stored in the memory.
 15. The inhaler device according to claim 14, further comprising a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, wherein the heater operates based on a heating profile defining a time-series transition of a target resistance value, which is a target value of a resistance value of the heater, and the log information includes at least any of information acquired during the time segment from the start to the end of the process of generating the aerosol by using the substrate, information indicating an operation history of the inhaler device, information indicating a remaining amount of the electric power of the power supply, or information acquired during charging of the power supply.
 16. The inhaler device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply that stores and supplies electric power for an operation of the inhaler device, wherein the plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator include battery information, state information, setting information, and log information, and among the battery information, the state information, the setting information, and the log information, the battery information has a highest priority, the state information has a second highest priority, the setting information has a third highest priority, and the log information has a lowest priority.
 17. The inhaler device according to claim 16, wherein after performing a process of transmitting the battery information, the controller controls the heater to perform heating.
 18. The inhaler device according to claim 16, wherein after the heater has performed heating, the controller performs control to perform a process of transmitting the log information.
 19. The inhaler device according to claim 16, wherein before performing a process of transmitting the log information, the controller performs control to perform a process of performing setting based on the setting information.
 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium having a program stored therein, the program for causing a computer to, the computer controlling an inhaler device including a communicator that communicates with an other device and a heater that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol: control the communicator to transmit and receive, in order of priority, a plurality of kinds of information to be transmitted and received by the communicator. 